If There Be Light, Then There Be Darkness
Written by Princess Kayla
Inspired by Naoko Takeuchi's "Pretty Soldier Sailor Moon"
Chapter Five - Within the Dream
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With quick yet silent steps, Endymion returned to his room. Eagerly, he lit a lantern at his bedside and settled down with the book. "Elysion: Myth or Legend," he read aloud. It was a rather thin book, but he hoped that there would be many answers within.
However, as he read the tales, he found more questions than answers. The author, a man he had not heard of, obviously was not able to determine truth in the stories of old. Endymion began to wonder if he was fooling himself, wanting there to be something that there was not. He wondered if he simply wanted to believe in magic.
Endymion turned the page and a name caught his eye. He read the passage, 'It is said, when evil appeared in the Golden Kingdom, the heroes of old needed only to pray at the door of Elysion. Their prayers would be carried on the mighty wings of Helios, igniting the Golden Gift within. Only then can the evil be overcome.'
"Helios," he said the name, one his father had quickly spoken earlier in his study. Endymion pondered, "Who...or what is this 'Helios'?"
Suddenly, Endymion felt warmth within him. Comforted by the strange sensation, he rested back. His eyes were heavy, and before he could do anything, he drifted off to sleep.
...
He remembered this dream from long ago. Yet, again, he returned to the large golden door. This childhood dream had returned to him, confusing him. Elysion, the Light, the Darkness...he was haunted by all of these thoughts.
'Why can I not set these thoughts aside?' he pondered as he looked upon the extravagant door. He reached out and turned the knob; it was to no surprise that he found it locked.
"It is within."
Startled, Endymion pulled his hand back to himself. He looked around, searching the nothingness surrounding him.
"It is within."
His attention as grabbed by the Pegasus, etched in the gold in front of him. His eyes widened as the great wings lifted from the door. The Pegasus neighed, pulling itself free. Endymion ducked to the ground as the great animal jumped in the air above him. It circled around him with grace and beauty until landing a few feet away.
"It is within," the voice came again, and Endymion realized that it was coming from the Pegasus. The magnificent creature stood before him, locking eyes. Endymion felt weak under the power of his gaze. "My Prince," the Pegasus spoke, "Fear not."
"Who are you?" Endymion swallowed, trying to remember that this was all a dream.
"Your Royal Highness, Prince Endymion of Elysion, the Golden Kingdom, Heart of the Earth," the Pegasus bowed respectively; the golden horn on his head caught the light, "I am Helios, Guardian of the Temple of Gold, and your humble servant."
Perplexity took control. 'Helios?' Endymion knew that the conversation with his father and the book were taking hold of his dreams. He determined that he was obsessed. He closed his eyes tightly and counted to ten. When he opened them, he saw that he was still in the dream.
"Prince Endymion, I sense your confusion. It is understandable. The first King was shocked by this all as well," the Pegasus comforted him, "I wish to help you comprehend this all."
"Of course it does not make sense. This is just a dream. My subconscious is running wild," Endymion replied.
The Pegasus stepped forward, which caused Endymion to step back. "Your Highness, please forgive me. I do not want to frighten you. I am just very excited to finally commune with you. I have been visiting you from time to time throughout your life."
"What?" Endymion asked, "I have never seen you before in my life?"
"True," he explained, "but the Light ordered me to watch over you. You are so very treasured by the Light."
Endymion lifted his hands in the air, calling him to stop, "The Light? This is not real."
"Please," the Pegasus continued, "You were chosen by the Light. Just as your ancestor, King Endymion the First, the one you were named after. He was chosen as well."
Endymion lowered his hands, "Chosen for what?"
"Chosen to receive the Golden Gift," the Pegasus seemed to smile. Endymion stood there in silence. He was ready to wake, but he could not manage to do so. As if noting his discomfort, the Pegasus spoke quietly, "My Prince, if you wish to leave, you may. This is a great deal to take in. Perhaps, the diary of Endymion the First will help you." The Pegasus's eyes seemed to smile, "I promise to be here when I sense you are wishing to return. Until then, Your Highness, may the Light guide your way." The Pegasus lifted his wings and with a mighty swoosh, the wind rushed against Endymion.
. . .
Gasping for air, Endymion sat up straight in his chair. He searched his empty room. There was nothing out of the norm, except when he looked down to see the book resting on his lap. On the page was a sketch of an elegant horse. Endymion read the words written next to the image. "The actual voice of the Light has never been heard by mortal ears. Those of the earth who have communicated with the Light have done so through Helios. He would intercede on behalf of the Light. His duty was to guide and guard the chosen ones. The only way to communicate with Helios is through dreams..."
Endymion felt a lump form in his throat; he did not remember turning to that page.
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Final Note from the Author:
Sorry this chapter was so short. I feel like I have had to break the chapters down more so that they aren't overwhelming. Pardon the grammatical errors and please send words of encouragement. - With Love, Kayla -